DOING UP A HOUSE IN DUBAI

So we’ve all watched Property Ladder, House Doctor, Sarah Beany and a plethora of home improvement programmes in the UK, but what’s involved in doing up a house in Dubai? Permission, permission, permission for a start! Having helped a friend go through the process recently we have learnt that many changes you may like to make to a villa need to pass planning permission. For Emaar properties this means you having to draw out plans of the potential changes, submitting the technical drawings (you can ask Emaar for a CD of your villa plans) and writing out a simple scope of works document. You’ll also have to submit your title deed to prove ownership, passport and visa details, as well as a license copy of the contractor you are using to carry out your work. Don’t forget the Dhs 5000 (refundable) cash deposit as well, this will be returned on completion of your work when they come and inspect your changes. Emaar offices are located in Emaar Square in Downtown and are VERY BUSY at the moment.

Examples of things that need permission are extending a patio (terrace), adding a canvas sail for shade, removing pillars from inside and even straightening an arch or removing a door. The work involved is also much more arduous than you think. Pictures speak a thousand words so see for yourself.

Some unforeseen problems my friend had were obviously underestimating costs involved as situations unraveled, but not by too much thankfully, a more difficult aspect was how ensure the different workmen got on with each other, her property had over 40 dreaded damas trees that had to be removed, so a separate gardening company was needed as well. A further gardening company was signed up to do the general maintenance of the garden. In these temperatures, she supplied ice cold drinks or ice creams every day (usually 12 each provided in a cool box with ice), these really helped in keeping tempers from flaring. And is all the hard work worth it? Absolutely, the results speak for themselves. Speaking Hindi was also a big plus as so many of the workers themselves are from the Asian subcontinent.

It is extraordinary how much less it costs here in Dubai to have major rennovations completed, compared to the UK or Europe and how quickly work gets done, six days a week, so we’re lucky in that respect, but don’t get me started on how estate agents earn their fees ! Enough said. If you manage the planning application and contractors yourself, you save even more money.

If you have any questions about improving your property in Dubai, then leave me a comment and I’ll try and answer, thanks for sharing the post on Facebook.

Monica

Next week, DoinDubai posts from London and Southern Tuscany in Italy.

Have you thought about insuring your house here? This may help, I still have some Zurich vouchers left

Hi,
I’ve recently just come across your page and was intrigued about the planning system in Dubai. Am i right to believe that Dubai doesn’t really have a planing system (as appose to the UK). For example if i wanted to build a house (or several) this would not be possible as only certain developers have the right? As a citizen you are only able to make minor adjustments to you house, which still requires planning permission? If so, What is the process and timescale?

I know here in the UK we have Law, National Frameworks and Local Policies. How Does Dubai Operate?

Sorry with all the questions, i am trying to do a study on the planning system.
Thank You,
Hanan

Hi Monica, just came across your post, we are thinking about adding a door to our study room, do you know a reliable carpenter, by any chance? Also, what do you think would be a reasonable budget for this in Dubai? Many thanks

I can give you a contact for a carpenter but you need to subscribe to the blog first for free email updates. Re the cost, that really depends on so many things like the size of door, type of wood you use, how much work is involved in removing the door frame as is etc, best to get a couple of quotes before you go ahead, but do bear in mind this is a small job!

Hi Monica..thanks for your post. I am going to do some major renovations in several areas of the home- do you have any recommendations of the best companies that are priced within reason to use? I have sent you my email for a private reply.

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